Surfrider Attends 5th Round of The Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea

Advocating for strong global plastic reduction measures, creating a platform for youth leaders, uplifting indigenous rights, and amplifying our mission were at the center of Surfrider’s involvement in the 5th round of negotiations for The Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5). Surfrider Foundation Club Network Coordinator Carolyn Curtin, Student Club leader Audrey Gregg and Surfrider Canada Regional Manager Lilly Woodbury, were on the ground in Busan, South Korea. We engaged in a series of mission-centric activities while increasing international awareness of Surfrider’s mission and priorities. Our presence at INC-2 and INC-4  helped us to build upon these efforts.

Surfrider Foundation staff table alongside Ocean Legacy Foundation at INC-5 in Busan, South Korea

What is The Global Plastics Treaty? 

The purpose of the United Nation Environment Programme’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), more commonly known as the Global Plastics Treaty, is to develop “an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution including in the marine environment”. Over 175 countries have been involved in the treaty process since November 2022 in response to the growing environmental, human health, and human rights concerns surrounding plastic production and waste. Although INC-5 in Busan was expected to be the last stage of negotiations before a final agreement was reached, countries failed to do so, and key decisions have been posted to a later date.

Why Wasn't The Treaty Finalized? 

In short, a small number of petrochemical-producing nations have strongly opposed plastic reduction efforts, making compromise difficult within the UN’s consensus process. These countries argue that the focus of the treaty should be on plastic waste management as opposed to reducing production, but this approach fails to address the full lifecycle of plastics.

Panama developed an ambitious draft text proposal, which was backed by 100+ nations that support reducing plastic production to “sustainable levels”. The Panama-led proposal would require nations to report their import and export data as well as their plastic production which would ensure stronger monitoring and enforcement. The United States has not joined the 100+ countries who have supported Panama’s proposal. Check out BFFP's POPLite for additional details and a recap of daily updates. 

Opening Plenary Session for INC-5 

Varying geopolitical, environmental, and economic goals, as well as a strong industry presence from fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists have created diverging priorities between countries. Surfrider supports an ambitious and just Global Plastics Treaty that must include... 

• Reducing production;
• Eliminating toxic materials;
• Banning the release of pre-production plastic pellets;
• Encouraging reuse and refill systems;
• Requiring producer responsibility;
• Prioritizing environmental and social justice; and
• Providing a means for equitable funding to solve the plastic pollution crisis.  

Surfrider's Role at INC-5:

Interactive Tabling Exhibition: Surfrider led an interactive table at the "Rethinking Plastic Life" exhibition hosted by the Korean Ministry of Environment. The tabling opportunity allowed Surfrider to engage with international non-profit environmental organizations, various decision makers, and the general public in order to raise awareness about our priorities and programs. Our table features a 3D microplastic and polystyrene (styrofoam) mini art display, as well various infographics. We also shared a booth with the Ocean Legacy Foundation, a Canadian based ocean cleanup nonprofit. The background of our shared booth features a poster titled "Coastal Voices of British Columbia," which highlights quotes and images regarding the need to reduce plastic production and consumption from various first nations members, former ministers, and nonprofit leaders.